I’m one of those guys who would like to go to heaven but I’m not willing to die to get there. So reading Atul Gawande’s “Being Mortal” was not easy for me.

Editor's comment: Seems to fit the theme of this month's website update and like so many of Steven's songs, it begs good thoughts.

Editors Note: This great article from Gallup talked about something I agree with wholeheartedly. It is not enough for a great wellness program to focus solely on one part of the human condition...physical. A great wholistic approach to wellness deals with 5 parts; Purpose: liking what you do each day and being motivated to achieve your goals; Social: having supportive relationships and love in your life; Financial: managing your economic life to reduce stress and increase security; Community: liking where you live, feeling safe, and having pride in your community; Physical: having good health and enough energy to get things done daily.

Editor's note: As stated in the blog its a tough but fascinating read. Gawande shares his experience as a surgeon with a human, personal touch and his growing skill as a writer. My high regard for him began with his "Checklist Manifesto" but here he goes ever deeper. He must be a helluva man.

Note: This is an article I was asked to write for Foster Families Today recently. I thought it was applicable and interesting enough to all parents, families and people in general. Thank you for reading.

Editor’s comment: Supposedly an article about investing and the economy, this turns out to be a great commentary on sociology. I will now subscribe to Morgan Housel or Motley Fool, whatever’s necessary because this cat has a point of view on human nature. Best article I’ve read in months, I hope you enjoy it too.

Editor’s Note: Thinking about a song to begin 2015 with and my renewed commitment to my home town came to mind. So here it is, from Canadian Singer/Songwriter David Francey. Note: It’s especially nice to consider my favorite verse during today’s blizzard.  

Editor’s note: The target of this book is international donors. Our foundation is very limited in that area and so I must warn that few of us reading this blog are the target. And yet Balfour’s book is so filled with common sense that I believe his eight pillars apply to just about any work we do. Even working on our own lives. As a matter of full disclosure, I was proud to be asked to do a testimonial for the book but I would not make it my “book of the month” selection if I did not enjoy it as much as I did.

This blog title is borrowed from an Avett Brothers song, which is also featured as the song of the month on our foundation website. Over time, I’ve been training myself to say “I love you” right out loud to people who are not always expecting – and occasionally not accepting – such a sentiment from me.

Editor’s Note: Thanks to my friend, Ron DiMattia for passing this on to me. It’s a little strident for my taste but the theme is so true. If we are to continue to gain on solving the world’s problems, non-profits must continue to learn to operate more like businesses. Spare me the extremes: I favor neither the current traditional model nor Gordon Gecko model…just a healthy recognition that business disciplines can help build mission sustainability.